Julia Packer

PhD thesis:

Determining the Function of Plastid Retention in Apicomplexan Parasites Using Evolutionarily Important Protist Cells

The evolutionary adaptations cells go through to become parasites are poorly understood. My project aims to discover the role of plastid (chloroplast) retention in the origins of apicomplexan parasites, e.g., the causative agents of malaria, by determining the localisation of relevant proteins within the cells of their closest free living relatives. As proteins perform most essential tasks within cells, protein localisation can help us determine the function of organelles. Apicomplexan-specific organelles (including their highly modified plastid) are common drug targets for malaria and have gone through different levels of reduction across the clade. My project will help develop an understanding of the function of these cells, their unique organelles, and how parasitism evolved.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

During my undergraduate I developed a deep interest in single-celled eukaryotes (i.e., protists). They comprise the majority of complex biodiversity on Earth, yet very little is known about most of them. They form the basis of food chains and contribute tremendously to global ocean health, but many represent major public health challenges. I am deeply curious in learning more about how these small, yet complex, organisms evolved, function and survive. I hope my research improves our understanding of the huge diversity of cell function in nature and learn how these organisms contribute to the ecosystems they are a part of.